As Californians prepare to vote on a proposition to label genetically engineered foods, a new peer-reviewed study reveals that genetically engineered crops have increased pesticide use by hundreds of millions of pounds. The problem will intensify if the new round of GMO crops is approved, as Reuters reported today.

“This study raises serious questions about whether we want to drown our crops in pesticides and feed them to our children,” said Yes on 37 campaign manager Gary Ruskin. “As we see from the data, GMOs are a fantastic boon for the pesticide industry. That’s why the world’s largest pesticide companies have spent nearly $20 million to defeat Proposition 37 and our right to know what’s in our food.”

“It’s clear from USDA data that genetically engineered crops have driven up overall pesticide use across the country, including 400 million more pounds of pesticides. And the increase in pesticide use is expected to continue unless we change the course of our food and farming system,” Dr. Ishii-Eiteman said in a statement.

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